Hi, I'm just starting out and need some inspiration. COuld you let me know your experiences of how long it took for you to lose for example 1 stone (14 lbs)
Thank you all
x x

Welcome. Everybody loses weight at different rates because everyone is different. I lost 11 pounds my first week, 17 pounds after 2 weeks, 21 pounds after 3 weeks, 26 pounds my first month, and 115 pounds after 15 months. The important thing is that the low carb way of eating is a healthy method that gives you the tools to lose weight and keep it off, IF you follow your plan. However, it is not something that you can stop doing and expect to keep the weight that you lost from coming back. In other words for it to be effective, it must truly be a lifestyle change. Good luck on your journey.

Welcome, Wannabe.

Can't add much to what's been said. Weight loss progresses differently for different folks. In general, the farther one is from a normalized weight when one starts, the faster the initial losses will be.

Hope you'll make yourself at home.

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Personally, when I started out in the 235-240 range, I began loosing 5 pounds a week. I was lucky enough to have this occur for 3 weeks a month for about 2-3 months, going down to about 195. After that, I hit a plateau for a couple of months, and finally began loosing a 2-3 pounds a week about twice a month.

As Maggie said, the further you are from your goal, the faster it comes off. However it does slow down as you approach your goal weight.

BTW, the reason it took me so long is mainly because I spent about a year out of ketosis on a maintenance phase. If I had continued straight through, I would probably be at my goal weight now.

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Started Atkins on 9/20/03
235-->190; 150 goal

Thank you all for your replies. it has really helped motivate me. I only have about 28 pounds to lose so i guess it'll come off quite slowly. But I'll stick with it. On Day 2 now. weird thing is, unlike other diets, I'm not even hungry!
I am actually recovering from bulimia and find the low carb eating really helps.... never do i binge and purge unless the food is really high in carbs. so fingers crossed it'll help me work it out.
I actually dont weigh myself because it triggers my eating disorder, but do you think I'll notice the weight loss just by my size and shape changing?

Hi Wannabe

I too had 28 pounds to lose when I started. If you ever feel you need a buddy then feel free to get in touch. I have lost just over half of it now and it has really slowed down so I know that it will be frustrating for you at times as the closer you are to goal the less results you see on a regular basis, but hang in there, it works!

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DANDR

Starting weight: 196 lbs
Current weight: 149 lbs
Goal weight: 130 lbs

As others have said, everyone loses at his/her own pace. Men tend to lose faster at first (on any diet!) The main thing about low-carb is learning to make it a lifestyle.

It probably takes two or more years to find your way to new low-carb eating habits that work for you. After that, you'll continue for life, which enables you to sustain the weight loss you've worked for.

All of us remember the beginning, with all its questions and frustrations. So come here anytime you like! Be sure to read around on the many helpful pages on this site, including articles, recipes, and success stories.

Best wishes.

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Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

- emphasis added

wannabe-this concerns me. i understand you say you're recovering from an eating disorder, but want to make sure you understand -

1. purging is NOT acceptable or helpful behavior, regardless of how many carbs you've eaten. EVER, period. not once in a while, not sometimes, not only after a big binge. NEVER. if you have ANY difficulty whatsoever with this, please get in touch with a mental health professional to work though it BEFORE you try to lose any weight at all.

2. low carb does NOT cure eating disorders. i assume you know that, but to be clear. ANY eating plan you have at this point needs to be reviewed with your professional support people.

please be sure that you are working very closely with your professional support people throughout and please be upfront with them about your plans, dietary decisions and eating behaviors. that's how folks get better, you know.

best of luck to you.

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Fat Baggage- Is Yours Packed?

Hi Goddess,
thanks for being concerned. But i no i've got a problem and am trying to work it out. I am waiting for referral to an eating disorders clinic ( and have been waiting for over a year ) but in the mean time anything is better than me throwing up everything i eat. I know how bad it is for me, i know all the ill effects, I know it doesn't even help me lose weight, I know in fact it probablty hinders my weight loss cos it mucks up my metabolism so bad. I'm pretty much an expert on how bad bulimia is for you. but its a disease, a disorder and ultimately an addiction. One which i have had for 8 years. so if i could snap out of it i would but unfortunately its not as easy as that.
As i stated i consider myself to be a recovering bulimic and right now, while i wait for treatment and therapy, the only way i can help my recovery, and lose the weight i need to, is to eat low carbs.

Welcome, wannabe.

Good for you for addressing your eating disorder. It's tough when you wanto get help but have to wade through red tape for so long to get the help you need.

I hope you find low carb a good way of eating for your particular area of concern.

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Noël


Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strengths.

Wannabe -

I echo Goddess. This sounds very serious but you appear to be on the right track. I guess if high carb foods trigger you it's best to stay away from them. That's one step in the right direction.

It's terrible you have to wait so long to get your referral. I hope you do so soon. Good luck

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It is always necessary to leave some part
of cooking to improvisation. - Paul Bocuse
Member since 2001

Wannabe, it took me 5 months to lose a little over 2 stone/13.6kg. I lost about a half a stone the first two weeks of Induction.

I wish you the absolute best in your recovery - please stay strong.